Education: elementary; grade 3 reading requirements; provide for. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

Mandates the use of 'science of reading' and structured literacy methods, explicitly prohibiting instructional techniques like guessing words from context or using predictable text for decoding instruction.

Requires universal screening for dyslexia and decoding difficulties for all students in grades K-3, with additional screening for older students showing specific reading struggles.

Updates literacy coach qualifications to require specific knowledge of scientifically based reading research and data management skills, while removing previous administrative duties.

Requires schools to provide individual reading improvement plans for students identified with reading deficiencies and mandates progress monitoring at least three times per year.

Sets a hard deadline for the 2027-2028 school year to implement new screening protocols, literacy coach qualifications, and professional learning requirements.

Establishes a retention policy for third-grade students who fail to achieve reading proficiency, allowing exemptions only for specific reasons like disabilities or limited English proficiency.

Introduces new legal definitions for critical terms such as 'dyslexia,' 'science of reading,' 'code emphasis,' and 'structured literacy' to ensure consistent application.